What is the distinction between active and passive components in a circuit?

The distinction between active and passive components in a circuit is primarily based on their ability to either amplify or generate power. Active components, such as transistors and operational amplifiers, can provide gain, meaning they can amplify electrical signals or even generate power through sources such as batteries and power supplies. This ability to control and supply energy makes active components essential for complex circuits that require signal processing or amplification.

On the other hand, passive components, which include resistors, capacitors, and inductors, do not have the capacity to amplify signals or generate power. They can store energy temporarily (such as capacitors) or dissipate energy as heat (such as resistors) but do not add energy to the circuit. The lack of energy generation or amplification capability is what categorizes them as passive.

Considering the other options, while some passive components can store energy, their primary role is not to generate or amplify, which is the cornerstone of the distinction. Options that imply limitations of active components or incorrect definitions do not accurately capture the essential differences between these two types of components.